NOT ONLY WILL Limerick’s Conor Niland be taking on the most in-form talent in men’s tennis when he looks across the net at the US Open on Tuesday evening, he will also be taking on the science behind one of Novak Djokovic’s secret health fads – a CVAC pod that the Serb has compared to a “spaceship”.
The current number one has always been a more unusual player – he accredits some of his new-found physical strength to a special gluten-free diet for instance – but even the most fanatical fan will raise eyebrows over his newest admission.
In between press appearances, dressing up as Maria Sharapova and sending out tweets, Novak has been preparing for the US Open by spending time sitting in the egg-shaped capsule, which – according to its manufacturers – improves circulation, boosts red blood cells and removes lactic acid from the user’s system among other benefits.
“I think it really helps – not with muscle, but more with recovery after an exhausting set,” Djokovic told the Wall Street Journal this week. “It’s like a spaceship. It’s very interesting technology.”
The 24-year-old was recently forced to withdraw from the Cincinnati Masters final against Andy Murray and although he is confident the injury will clear in time for his US Open campaign, it remains to be seen how fit he will actually be when he faces Niland at the Arthur Ashe Stadium on Tuesday (expected on court about 7/7.30 pm Irish Time).
TheScore.ie will follow all the live action from Tuesday’s US Open duel between Novak Djokovic and Conor Niland once play gets underway at Flushing Meadows later this evening.
Brilliant night in Paris. Insane atmosphere. Obviously, there is no a rugby supporter left at home.
Best supporters in the world. Stade was green tonight #zombies
It’s literally a privilege to be an Irish supporter of this great team. They way they applaud the supporters after the game let’s us know we are truly in this together. Let’s hope for another immense performance next week, it’ll need to be. C’mon Ireland